Ok, being honest I am not sure that I am ready to deviate much from my meal plans to add that protein because I am still fairly new to the program. Having said that I am happy to report that I find myself thinking like a meal plan when it comes to food. Yesterday I made lunch without looking at the meal plan (I was in a rush) and when I added them I realized I had done just fine. Go me!

For my snack idea, last night I tried Orville Redenbacher's 100 calorie 94% fat free butter popcorn and I was amazed...I loved it! In my family we are big into watching movies and you have to have popcorn to watch movies. It's like a rule or something, at least in our house. Orville and I will do just fine on movie nights! I do like the idea of hanging onto these snack ideas in a separate place to refer to when the school year starts because my usual teacher treats run to cookies or decadent chocolate flour-less torte cake neither one being healthy choices. Having some suggestions saved in another thread would be useful.

For my positive- I'm doing this! The crazy thing is for the last few days I am struggling to meet my goals. Note I said meet, not stay within my goals. Maybe it is because it's summer and my mind set has slowed way down but I find myself not hungry and dare I say (Murphy's law is going to happen here!) I have had no cravings for anything! This is unusual for me in my past dieting experiences or even when I wasn't on a diet. I am bright enough to figure out that there will be the occasion for a craving or two and I feel like I will be able to work around it or maybe even ignore it. Since it is summer I am drinking a lot of kool-aid (sugar free) and perhaps that is keeping my sweet tooth at bay. I am happy to report that I can feel the changes that I have made. My tummy is flatter, dang those twisted crunches but they seem to be working! My clothes are starting to get just a tiny bit looser...Yipee!

It's July 1 - If you are up for a summer challenge how about permanently adopting one healthy habit that will maintain this lifestyle. Suggestions could be:

1. Add protein to breakfast - I use fat free greek yogurt on my oatmeal in the AM or I make a breakfast quesadilla with egg beaters and 1/4 cup low fat cheese and veggies.(I can have either made in 5-7 minutes on school mornings - it's doable.)

2. Try one new low fat / low calorie snack item a week to see what would work that you can take to school to be prepared when the cakes and goodies arrive in the Teacher's Lounge.( I could even set up a thread to keep suggestions all in one place so when we are feeling a little brain dead we can see what has worked for others.)

3. Once a week (at least) - post one positive statement about yourself. We get so involved with taking care of family and students we put ourselves on the back burner and generally don't do nice things for ourselves or acknowledge positives - When you take care of yourself physically and mentally you are more effective taking care of others!

Let me know - if you want to track any of these or just post in the discussion board - I've not had much luck with this team and tracking and that's ok - everyone's needs are different

Frances

Emotional Support High School History - SW Penna.

I want to live in the spirit of faith. I accept everything that comes my way as given me by the loving will of God, who sincerely desires my happiness (St. Faustina).

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